Nearly 200 Chinese offshore gaming workers were deported from the Philippines on Thursday, as the government intensifies its crackdown on the industry ahead of a nationwide ban.

The 187 deported individuals were arrested in various POGO hubs across the country for violating Philippine immigration laws.

Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) Executive Director Gilbert Cruz said some of the deported workers were apprehended without proper documents.

Upon their return to China, the deported workers will face further investigation for potential involvement in online fraud.

“We already have monitoring; we already have a list. Law enforcement agencies like the National Bureau of Investigation, the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Immigration have come together to form a strong group to pursue the remaining POGO operators,” Cruz said.

The government is urging remaining POGO workers to voluntarily leave the country before the 31 December deadline. Starting January 2025, authorities will intensify operations against POGO-related activities.